Third grade fell out of mother’s drawer,
a stained photo stuck between dried up pens
and a Tupperware orange peeler.

Three days after we buried her
in a Catholics only plot,
she made me remember
what I deliberately forgot.

Photos: 3rd grade class photo mentioned was tossed….but these were also in the drawer. Me in my 3d grade Immaculate Conception School navy blue uniform and my first communion picture. I actually won a third grade competition to see who could learn the altar boy responses in Latin first (our third grade boys were lagging in this important task — it was thought this would spur them on). Silly me – I thought if I won I could be an altar boy. See that word? “Boy.” Nope. I did win a gold embossed holy card of St. Francis of Assisi and the boys all went on to assist with Mass. Memories…..

It is amazing isn’t it, Lillian – our young lives and how some grew so very entrenched in religious “traditions,” and how all those years of embedded lessons could be removed from our life fabric – if and when we decide – the lessons don’t represent the true weave of our heart…
Ah, those early Catholic School years…:)
Your beautiful and insightful words brought me back with a shiver and a smile –
am:)

I’ve been remiss in my reading and my replies — spent the last few days at my daughters so unplugged for quite a bit of the time. Catching up this Saturday morn. So good to see you here.
A shiver and a smile…..exactly. Have you ever seen the play or read the book, Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? Book might be hard to find now — but I suspect Amazon would have it. It is hilarious and sentimental at the same time; about Catholic School days. Of course the play Nonsense was hilarious too.
My handwriting is often complimented (do they even learn cursive anymore???) and I always say, thanks to Sister John Gulbert. Memorizing skills are also very good — again, because of learning those early catechism questions. Respect – a big part of that education. So lots of positives too. Tipping my cup to you this AM…..and ready to go into the Reader to see your words and art 🙂 Happy weekend my friend!

Hi Lillian.
Please accept my apologies, I’ve fallen so far behind in my blogging. I’ve just been keeping up with throwing posts together. I’m glad you unplugged as well, You’ve been writing quite a bit and it’s nice to recharge the batteries now and again.
Yes, one never forgets their Catholic school upbringing – it’s like they burn those memories into your soul;)
am:)